Monday, 22 September 2008

On Saturday I was in the car with Turtle and LP, going from one cricket match to another (can't wait for Kanga cricket to start in a few weeks.... then we'll have 3 places to be each Saturday!).

Turtle was watching the digital clock in the car and it read 12.59. He said "that's the very last minute of 12 o' clock, soon it will be 1 o'clock". For Turtle it was a simple matter. He is just becoming confident with clocks and time, and each hour has 60 minutes. I took the opportunity to point out that this particular minute would never come back again. Turtle and LP's eyes glazed over a little as I went on to talk about the importance of making the most of the moments and enjoying them.... But I sat there for a while feeling grateful that a simple observation from my child would give me a valuable moment of reflection of how I spend my time.

"Are there so many fascinating, exciting things to do or so many challenges pressing down upon you that it is hard to keep focused on that which is essential? When things of the world crowd in, all too often the wrong things take highest priority. Then it is easy to forget the fundamental purpose of life. Satan has a powerful tool to use against good people. It is distraction. He would have good people fill life with 'good things' so there is no room for the essential ones. Have you unconsciously been caught in that trap?(...)"Each of us needs to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course. Sometime soon you may benefit from taking this personalinventory:"What are my highest priorities to be accomplished while on earth?"How do I use my discretionary time? Is some of it consistently applied to my highest priorities?"Is there anything I know I should not be doing? If so, I will repent and stop it now."In a quiet moment write down your responses. Analyze them. Make any necessary adjustments."Put first things first."

So, this morning I sat down and wrote some cards and letters to people who have come to my mind often along with impressions to do something for them by way of expressing appreciation or encouragement. So often the thought comes along and then I am distracted by something and I don't act on my impression.

To finish - the words of John Wesley:

“Do all the good you can,By all the means you can,In all the ways you can,In all the places you can,At all the times you can,To all the people you can,As long as ever you can.”